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Rowing lessons offered through Clallam YMCA

Rowing lessons for adults and Junior Crew for middle-school youth are starting now. According to the Clallam County Family YMCA, sign-ups are under way for middle-school students and adults who want to learn to row crew. Participants row with experienced coaches and other rowers in Port Angeles Harbor in either eight-person rowing shells or four-person sculls.

The YMCA, in partnership with the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association, offers rowing lessons each month through fall for men and women of all ages, according to Tim Tucker.

A four-class series and safety orientation costs $50. The first class begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the row house located on Ediz Hook.

Participants must register beforehand at the YMCA in Port Angeles and also must take a float test at William Shore Memorial Pool. Other class series are slated to begin May 7, July 9 and Aug. 6.

Coaches Pete Becker and David Mittmann encourage those interested in rowing to begin as soon as possible to take advantage of the entire spring, summer and fall rowing seasons. After the class series has been completed, participants can become regular members of the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association.

Tucker said the YMCA is excited to announce the beginning of its new Junior Crew program aimed at middle-school students, slated to begin with its first practice on April 12, Tucker said.

Coaches include Deanna Volker and John Halberg. Students will take a float test at their second session.

This program aims at having a competitive high-school rowing program in the future.

Students ages 12 and older who are not middle-school students but want to learn to row also may participate in the four-class series.

For more information about the adult rowing sessions, contact Tim Tucker at the YMCA, 452-9244, or e-mail tim@olympicpeninsulaymca.org.

For information about Junior Crew, contact Volker at oprajrcrewcoach@gmail.com.

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